Oakland Raiders' Rolando McClain (55) celebrates a play against the San Diego Chargers in the first quarter at the O.co Coliseum in Oakland, Calif. on Monday, Sept. 10, 2012. (Nhat V. Meyer/Staff) ( Nhat V. Meyer )ALAMEDA -- Raiders starting middle linebacker Rolando McClain said Wednesday that he no longer is with the team. The Raiders countered by saying McClain still is on their 53-man roster.

Then again, this might be just a matter of semantics, given the deadline to waive McClain came and went without a move being made.

"Officially no longer an Oakland Raider!!" McClain posted on his Facebook page.

He then added, "Well technically I am. But I'm mentally done. Just waiting on my papers" and "I'd like to be anywhere besides here."

What we know for certain is that McClain did not practice Wednesday because of what coach Dennis Allen called "team-related issues."

When asked if he cared to share more

Oakland Raiders linebacker Rolando McClain (55) and defensive end Matt Shaughnessy (77) walk on the sideline in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Sept. 16, 2012, in Miami, Fla. The Dolphins won 35-13. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) ( Lynne Sladky )details, Allen said: "No more details, no more comments. Just team-related issues."

The Raiders have until 1 p.m. Thursday to submit McClain to the waiver wire for the transaction to kick in that day. A team spokesman said he doesn't know whether that's going to take place.

McClain was Oakland's first-round pick in 2010, the No. 8 overall selection, out of Alabama. He started from the outset but has failed to live up to the lofty expectations of a player so highly regarded coming out of college, where he was a standout for the Crimson Tide.

Allen demoted McClain from an every-down player to someone that played only in the base package after four games this season. Rookie Miles Burris supplanted McClain whenever the Raiders went to their nickel package.

McClain is earning $970,000 this season in base salary. He is slated to make $4,005,000 in 2013, $4,805,000 in 2014 and $2,665,000 in 2015.

If McClain gets waived, then veteran Omar Gaither is in line to start in McClain's place Sunday against the Cleveland Browns.

Gaither was signed Nov. 14 and played on special teams the past two games

Hmmm, I thought he'd be an excellent MLB. Worth a look?

jcp026

11-28-2012 06:35 PM

Re: Raiders waive Rolando McClain

Absolutely.

saintfan

11-28-2012 06:38 PM

Re: Raiders waive Rolando McClain

On THIS team? Hell on THIS team I'M worth a look-see. We should leave no stone un-turned.

Danno

11-28-2012 06:44 PM

Re: Raiders waive Rolando McClain

The only problem I see (and it may not be a problem for long), is that he appears to be best suited to play ILB in a 3-4 rather than a MLB in a 4-3.

IF, and its a BIG IF, we decided to convert to a 3-4, he and Lofton in the middle may make a solid tandem.

SmashMouth

11-29-2012 08:13 AM

Re: Raiders waive Rolando McClain

Wtf.... They don't like Bama players there?

Danno

11-29-2012 08:21 AM

Re: Raiders waive Rolando McClain

Quote:

Originally Posted by SmashMouth
(Post 460803)

Wtf.... They don't like Bama players there?

Oakland has always preferred style over substance.

D_it_up

11-29-2012 08:39 AM

Re: Raiders waive Rolando McClain

I've thought for a while that he was talented enough to be a pretty decent NFL linebacker. He was just thrust into a horrible situation having to play for the Raiders. I think he could help someone with a change of scenery. I'd be down for bringing him in to see what he can do.

QBREES9

12-03-2012 11:02 PM

Re: Raiders waive Rolando McClain

Bring him in

Crusader

12-04-2012 02:07 AM

Re: Raiders waive Rolando McClain

From what I understand there have been maturity issues and legal incidents involving him. Not sure how that would impact things. From what I have seen from him frm a football standpoint I don't really think he would be an upgrade over Lofton and would be way to expensive for a backup. We need more help at the WLB and SLB positions.

burningmetal

12-04-2012 03:10 AM

Re: Raiders waive Rolando McClain

There is no place for him here. We have a good MLB already. If the Raiders have had enough of him, that speaks volumes. On the other hand, if didn't have any character flags and he wanted to accept a backup role, I'd be cool with it. I doubt he's gonna sign here for a backup role.